CHARLOTTE—When Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins a race, the bar he owns in North Carolina really likes to celebrate.

For an hour after an Earnhardt victory—whether it be Sprint Cup or Nationwide—all drinks are free at Whisky River, a country bar in the heart of downtown Charlotte.

So when Earnhardt snapped a four-year Cup winless streak Sunday, that meant free booze for everyone at the bar. A fan even drove 90 miles up the interstate from Columbia, S.C., when it looked like Earnhardt might win to take part in the celebration.

“As Dale said it himself—all of his fans that have stuck by him through this winless drought, this one was for them,” said Whisky River general manager Eric Flanigan.

“We get a lot of diehard fans. … There was a bunch of cheering, a good vibe in the air. Everybody was just happy.”

With it being Father’s Day, it wasn’t the biggest of Sunday crowds, and Flanigan—who said, “We’ve tried everything in this little bar to help Dale win from fingers crossed to wearing Dale Jr. apparel on Sundays”—decided drinks would again be free for an hour Tuesday night.

“But it was an excited crowd," Flanigan said. "Tonight should be a pretty hefty bill.”

Earnhardt wasn’t aware Whisky River gave away the drinks.

“They did?” he said. “That’s cool.”

Apparently the special is not something he has to worry about as far as Whisky River management asking him for a check to covers the costs.

“I imagine it comes out of somebody’s pocket,” he said with a laugh.

While Earnhardt would have nothing to worry about financially if this happens once every four years, what about if he rattles off a bunch of victories. And, for gosh sakes, a championship?

“We’ve thought this through a few times,” Flanigan said. “It’s good for business for everyone. Dale’s fans stay strong and love Dale. It’s our job to support that.

“If Dale wins the next 10 races, then we buy drinks for the next 10 races. … If Dale wins the championship, people can expect a very, very big party.”